Many readers will have noticed that in examples of sets of true close sixes given in 'Building Blocks', the last is the sixes of the Hudson Courses singled together. This is now dealt with because the two sixes left out, Nos. 2 and 11, can be used in a different way to that in which they appear in the twin-bob peals. Four examples are given as to how these two may possibly be utilised. The first is the twin-bob plan, and the last two will not connect at quick with the main set. The second, however, will help to form blocks which give original peals, as shown below:-
14 2314567=14A
1 3426175 1A
2 S3461257 10A
3 4135672 9A
4 4157326 8A
5 -1743526 3B
6 -1735426 6A
7 7512364 12B
8 7526143 4A
9 5674231 7C
10 -5642731 2C
11 S6257413 11C
12 6271534 5C
13 -2165734 13A
2153647
There are but two complementary joinings, 9A singles to 14A, and 13A returns by a single to 8A where the first block was left.
Peals from this are unique, inasmuch as the blocks are not reversed by the joining singles. This retains the basis calling of the course practically throughout, though the single after 13A divides a course, forming a long course with a four-call set.
One may be permitted to give a peal from this block, for they are not well-known. It consists of three different callings as follows:-
The peal 5,040 231456 A 215364 A 256143 A 264531 C 543162 B 136245 A 164352 Nine times repeated, with B for the first A in the fifth part, and C for the first A in the tenth part.
The peal has only eleven four-call sets, which occur in the long course of 24 sixes. The remainder are double and isolated calls.
This completes the blocks which are the basis of all peals found to date, except those from bob blocks. However, it must be understood that there are many more, and, though the writer has not found them useful, some may find means to utilise them which others have missed.
Under this heading it should be interesting to devote a little time to bob blocks. As Table B includes the 840 true sixes, in all their forms, they will produce B Blocks, as shown below:-
14C 10B 13B
9C 1B 11C
4 times repeated 4 times repeated 4B
8B
2C
7C
12C
6A
3C
5C
Sixty 14Cs and 9Cs, and also 10Bs and 1Bs, will each produce twelve courses. Starting from the available 13Bs will give sixty more, making 84 in all, showing 840 true sixes. It may be asked why a table to show results from B blocks cannot be drawn up. The answer is that this could only be done if seven-bell RCEPs would prove ten sixes as Table B proves fourteen. Unfortunately these plans are not possible in 84 courses, but require, after the initial seven, 168 at least. This number proves only five sixes, which prevents the formation of a table to prove ten.
Many peals have been found from B blocks, and the earlier ones have been exhaustively dealt with in 'Stedman'. Later, two notable peals were discovered. The late Rev. H. Law James produced the first seven-part peal from them, which marked an advance in Stedman composition. However, the peal which really whets our appetites is one by Dr. Slack. This clever production is in two equal parts, with only two singles, and no doubt it has set many wondering if it can be improved upon. No one, however, has succeeded in finding a peal from B blocks, without many six-call sets and, merely expressing an opinion, are not likely to.
This page created by Philip Saddleton
Last updated 7 October 1996